In my own personal journey through cancer, the thing that surprised me the most was the well-meaning advice of friends that could have killed me had I been naive enough to follow it. This includes the myriad of questionable information out there on the internet, especially miracle cures and “natural treatments”. These range from “juice cleanses” to experimental drug therapies not affiliated with an accredited cancer treatment center.

Anyone who has just been diagnosed with cancer is particularly vulnerable to this type of thing. Their world has just been turned upside down, and they are suddenly exposed to a new place with odd language, and a journey ahead that is not going to be fun. So where do you turn and whom do you believe?

I was fortunate enough to be able to spend time with the father of one of my close friends, a physician whose practice includes cancer patients. He was able to explain what treatments I would mostly need and why. With this information, I was able to move forward.

Lacking this resource, I am not sure what I would have done. Cancer patients absolutely need a credible source of information that they can trust in navigating their journey ahead. Someone who understands their diagnosis and what it means, can explain options for treatment and what they mean, can refer them to help with practical matters such as finding transportation and insurance coverage. Help in counteracting all the misinformation out there. Not to mention being there for them.

This is what the Chris Elliott Fund (CEF) provides to brain tumor patients why it is so important. Contact us at [email protected] with your questions or if you need a healthcare advocate for brain tumor treatment options. Blessings!

Claire Tinker
Grants Manager
206-283-2490